Fuel EX 9.7 29
A 29″ carbon frame full suspension trail bike with high-end components.
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Manufacturer Price
$3,999Weight | 30.1 lbs |
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Frame | Carbon |
Suspension | Full, 130 / 130mm |
Fork | Fox Rhythm Float 34 |
Wheels | 29″ Aluminum |
Drivetrain | 1 × 12 |
Groupset | GX Eagle, NX Eagle |
Brakes | Hydraulic Disc |
Seatpost | Dropper |
For This Bike
Oct 2020 · Benjamin Topf
The Trek Fuel EX 9.9 is an absolute classic in the trail bike segment. Could it also be the perfect bike for the next bikepacking adventure with its modern geometry and spare parts compartment in the down tube? We put the Fuel EX to the test.
Maximum fun on the descents
Intuitive and good-natured handling
Storage compartment in the down tube for tools or snacks
Too sluggish on easy terrain
Too much bike for long straights
Chain slap
Jun 2020 · Spencer Johnson
As warmer temperatures hit the Pacific Northwest and the dirt starts to dry, I’m always eager to get out on some long rides with some big climbs. Naturally, when this Trek Fuel EX 9.9 showed up at the Freehub office, I knew it was time to put the nimble beast through its paces. I challenged myself to a 60-mile sufferfest on some of Bellingham, Washington’s toughest climbs and descents. It definitely didn’t let me down. Climbing on this bike was a joy. Trek equipped the 9.9 model with its proprietary RE:aktiv shock with a three-position damper, which I left wide open for the entire ride. The rear suspension had an overwhelmingly supportive feel while pedaling out of the saddle, yet as soon as I hit a bump it dived deeper into the travel, keeping the rear wheel firmly planted and providing excellent traction. The geometry is modern and balanced, with a long reach and a sensible 76-degree seat angle. On the descents, the bike inspired confidence, thanks to its long wheelbase and bottomless-feeling suspension. My confidence was further enhanced by the reliable stopping power of the Shimano XT brakes. As a 200-pound rider, I couldn’t have appreciated the ultra-powerful XT brakes and the 203-millimeter front rotor more—especially while bombing down some of Bellingham’s scariest double-black trails.
Apr 2020 · Tom Marvin
A classic trail bike, with a fun and engaging ride built around a solid frame
A solid feeling frame backed up by a ride quality that encourages you to pop and play around
The long Shimano brake levers kill the feel, while the supple rear suspension shows up the budget fork
Nov 2019 · Jeremy Benson
The Fuel EX 8 is an impressively capable, versatile, and well-rounded trail bike that is ready for anything you are. Trek redesigned the Fuel EX models for...
Relatively affordable
Good component spec for the price
Great small bump compliance
Versatile/well-rounded
Frame sizing feels a little small
Can be overwhelmed in super aggressive terrain
Oct 2019 · McCoy
One seriously light and capable bike
Aug 2019 · Mike Levy
Trek's trail bike gets an all-new frame with tweaked suspension and fresh geometry, but where does sit compared to the competition?
Forgiving, deep feeling suspension
It's a wizard on technical climbs
New geometry increases capabilities
It might be too forgiving for some riders
You'll be using the pedal assist lever often
Trek could have gone further with the geometry
Apr 2019 · Rob Mitchell
We've been testing two 2019 130mm travel 29er trail bikes; the GT Sensor Expert and the Trek Fuel EX 9.7. Here we review the Trek Fuel EX.
Oct 2018 · Joseph Delves
A great full-sus all-rounder with an innovative frame
Frame | OCLV Mountain Carbon main frame, alloy stays, ABP, Boost148, Knock Block steerer stop, Full Floater, EVO link, tapered head tube, Mino Link, Control Freak internal routing, Carbon Armor, PF92, ISCG 05, G2 Geometry, 130mm travel BB Standard: BB86/BB92, Press Fit |
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Fork | Fox Rhythm 34 Float, GRIP adjustable damper, tapered steerer, G2 Geometry w/51mm offset, Boost110, 130mm travel Travel: 130mm Spring Type: Air |
Bottom Bracket | SRAM DUB Press Fit, 92mm |
Headset | Knock Block Integrated, sealed cartridge bearing, 1-1/8˝ top, 1.5˝ bottom |
Stem | Bontrager Line, Knock Block, 35mm clamp, 0 degree |
Handlebar | Bontrager Line, 35mm, 15mm rise, 750mm width |
Saddle | Bontrager Arvada, hollow chromoly rails |
Seatpost | Bontrager Line, internal routing, 31.6mm, 15.5: 100mm, 17.5 & 18.5: 125mm, 19.5 & 21.5: 150mm Type: Dropper |
Pedals | Not included |
Grips | Bontrager XR Trail Elite, alloy lock-on |
Rear Derailleur | SRAM GX Eagle, Roller Bearing Clutch |
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Crank | Truvativ Descendant 6k Eagle DUB, 32T Direct Mount |
Shifters | SRAM NX Eagle, 12 speed |
Cassette | SRAM XG-1230 Eagle, 11-50, 12 speed |
Chain | SRAM NX Eagle |
Brakes | Shimano Deore M6000 hydraulic disc Type: Hydraulic Disc |
Rims | Bontrager Line Comp 30, Tubeless Ready, 54T Rapid Drive, Boost110 front, Boost148 rear, tubeless strips included, valves sold separately |
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Tires | Bontrager XR4 Team Issue, Tubeless Ready, Inner Strength sidewalls, 120tpi, aramid bead, 29x2.40˝ |
Last updated October 1
Not listed for 1,663 days